Enchanted Valley of Flowers

“High in the Himalayan ranges of Garhwal hills of Uttaranchal lies an enchanted Valley.” About 600 kilometers from Delhi, in the Chamoli district of Uttaranchal can be found The Valley of Flowers, a breathtaking array of over 500 different species of wild flowers spread over an area of 87.5 km². It is situated a height of 11,000 feet to 14,000 feet above the sea level in the Western Himalayas.

This mysterious valley was hidden from the outside world, with only locals frequenting the place. Initially, it was avoided by the shepherds who believed this magical valley to be the celestial playground of the Gods, nymphs and fairies.

The Valley was discovered by Frank Smith, a mountaineer, botanist and an explorer who came across it quite accidentally in 1931. He was so captivated by its outstanding beauty, which was in its full bloom at the time that he wrote a book about it called “Valley of Flowers”. Thus, the Valley remained a secret no more much to the delight of nature enthusiasts all over the world.

The Valley itself is flanked on either side by imposing peaks, capped with snow. It is divided into two sections due to the Pushpawati River which cuts through the valley. The major portion of this valley is on its right bank and is every trekker’s dream come true. The entire trek from Govindghat to the valley via Ghangharia is a feast to the eyes. The Valley of flowers changes color almost every day, as it blooms with hundreds of new different flowers along with the changing shades of the old flowers as time passes by. It has been acknowledged by botanists, mountaineers and nature lovers as one of the most picturesque high altitude valleys in the world.

It was only in 1982 that an area of 8,950 hectares of the valley was declared a National Park. In July 2005, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is mainly due to the fact that the valley contains so much rich diversified fauna within its area especially as it is a meeting point of Zanskar, Himalayan ranges and Eastern and Western Himalayas. The importance of this beautiful valley is furthered as many endangered flower species and medicinal plants can be found here.

From November to May, the valley is covered in a bed of snow but the flora here is well adapted to the harsh climatic conditions. The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is in the months of July and August after the snow has melted. The flowers are in full bloom during this time, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the never ending charm of this place.

The Garhwal Hills and the Hills of Kumaon constitute probably some of the most beautiful places of scenic beauty in the world – still touched by the unadulterated wand of pure nature’s magic and unspoilt by the trappings of civilization!
Uttarakhand is the gateway to heaven!

Thanks for the information about VALLEY OF FLOWERS and the best time to visit that place. “”The entire trek from Govindghat to the valley via Ghangharia is a feast to the””…. Which is the nearest railway station or nearest town or village to reach that place

We must thank God for the opportunity of giving us human beings to see, wonder and thank the Almighty Creator for the opportunity of seeing so much beauty via the internet; a seeing we could not have done even if we were to live a thousand lives on planaet earth!
Thank you whoever has photograped, published and shared this with browsers!
Dr. M.M. Sreenivasan

the valley of flowers is a beautiful place to see and enjoy. i would like to visit this place. can you help in getting the right direction or contact details of parties who is arranging the trip or govt .dept. who can direct me to visit this place
thank you
mvs menon

Little known,but infatuatingly beautiful is the valley of flowers What is the nearest place where a tourist can stay and visit the valley during day and return for nightstay? Any experience? please write

The visit involves strnuous trekking in hilly areas for about 14 kms. Even physically very fit persons find it challenging to trek.
Either state govt or central govt should make some arrangement such that an average Indian also should be able to see this

Is this real? This truly is a world of dreams, and it exists today…God’s blessing to mankind…wake up man…Celebrate life …God has not abandoned you as it seems here in the plains…Express your gratitude to HIM…

One,Mr. Bipin Desai, has commented above that when he visited the VOF two to three decades back, he just saw only one single species of flowers. He must not have visited the valley during flowering season which happens to be July & August, which is a spring season there.

Not just Kerala, entire India is a God’s own country but ruled and ruined by devils. Tourism alone can meet with entire oil import bill in foreign exchange. There is an urgent need to project India as a tourist friendly destination.

When we see the colours we feel relaxed. If these colours are there in the flowers, we are very relaxed. This is the nature of attraction. It signifies how the ladies, flowers and other plants attached to the mother earth.

No matter where you go in this great and wonderful planet we call home there is beauty to behold. I could never live long enough to see it all and I am thankful for the people who do visit and share with us on the internet. Keep up the great work and continue to share with those of us who will never visit these beautiful places on other countries.

I feel that the place is not given the due publicity I am happy it has been declared as a heritage site by the UNESCO. I feel that everybody in India must try to visit it in lifetime but the fcilities there are not clear.

When we visited Kedarnath and Badrinath in 1989 as a part of a large group of around 70 pilgrims we wanted to visit this valley. Unfortunately nobody else wanted to visit this gorgeous place. God willing, I would love to visit this place if health permits.

Imeging photographs it’s gift of God I am Secretary of Youth Hostels association of India, Race Course Unit,Rajkot I had too much Photograph of Floawer of Velly beceause of Our unit’s arreng the trekking of flower of Velly in Saptember/Octomber month but this r the emeging photos. if u r Intrested in this trek plz. contect 094272 42708.

Nature’s wonder at its best.God has created this heaven on earth for morals to enjoy. For those who want to visit but cannot this mail is really a GOD SEND oppertunity to enjoy within the confines of their own homes.Thanks very much for the wonderful mail.

Misleading: Some of the images shown are not actual images of valley of flowers, like picture with yellow flowers showing a house at the back there is no house in that entire range. I also have doubt for few more pictures

The flowers of India are excellent & Marvelous for which there is no comparision.No one can copy the nature at any given time even science will not go near by.There is no substitute for these great Flower Pic.

Valley of the flowers is mind blowing out of the world experience. I have just decided to to go and experience this heaven on earth.
James Cameron should see this beauty par excellence that beats any locale on this planet. God Bless this Valley flowers and Gods

Yes it is indeed an unbelievable experience. Have had the good fortune to visit, but honestly once is just not enough. Each of the 4 months the valley is a new colour & every year is quite different from the last. Kudos also to people of the place who have ensured that it’s pristine nature has been maintained.

What a wonderful place. The mesmerizing beauty makes you feel you are in Paradise.Hopefully over exposure to tourism will not turn it into Paradise Lost
Thanks for the visual delight and hope to receive more of these golden nuggets !!!
Jaymala

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